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The Westin New York at Times Square Finalizes $24 Million
Refreshment Prior to Eighth Anniversary

Four-Year Enhancement Project Includes 126 New Atrium Club
Rooms & Lounge by Renowned Designer Vicente Wolf

NEW YORK – May 26, 2010 – As multiple sources site that business travelers are taking to the road again and travel is on the recovery path, The Westin New York at Times Square is proud to announce the completion of a $24-million, four-year refreshment program, well-timed to the rebounding trend.  In fact, the hotel is reporting double-digit rate growth for Q2 (to-date) compared year-over-year.  Weathering the economic downturn, investments continued at The Westin New York at Times Square, which has become synonymous with the remarkable renaissance of Times Square. 

“It is important for us to stay ahead of the curve as hotel development in New York City increases,” said Gerard Widder, general manager.  “These improvements ensure that we can continue to offer our guests the most up-to-date product and provide an outstanding travel experience.”

The entire 863-room hotel, which opened in 2002, received upgrades in all areas including guestrooms, Bar 10 and the Majestic Ballroom.  The enhancement’s final stage, completed this spring, was 126 new Atrium Club Rooms and Atrium Club Lounge by renowned designer Vicente Wolf. 

• Atrium Club Rooms & Lounge: Color, specifically shades of blue, was a major factor in the redesign of the rooms, hallways, and lounge.  The oversized rooms, some as large as 470 square feet, feature unique touches such as sleek silver lamps, a large, standing mirror framed in brushed metallic silver and framed photos from Wolf’s own portfolio.  A haven for business travelers, the rooms feature complimentary Internet access, a spacious work area equipped with 17” Apple iMac 5G computers with a wireless mouse and keyboard and complimentary access to the hotel’s fitness center and Atrium Club Lounge.  The Atrium Club Lounge offers complimentary services including continental breakfast, afternoon snacks, unlimited beverages including water, soda, cappuccino and espresso, dedicated concierges services and the use of semi-private workspaces and computers/printers.  The Atrium Club Rooms and Lounge are attributed to a large part of the hotel’s double-digit rate growth.
  
  
• Guestrooms: Highlights include new, sleek, extra-long veneer-topped solid maple wood headboards that gracefully frame both the famous Westin Heavenly Bed® and the two nightstands.  Glass coverings were added to all desks and table tops, and the upholstered chair and padded bench now boast fabrics in a soft palette with blue accents.  New floor lamps, soft sage wall coverings, carpets, drapes and artwork complete the new design concept of rich textures combined with subtle and neutral colors.  32” LCD HD “Truly Flat” televisions with razor-sharp images, high resolution, bright picture and generous viewing angle were installed.  Bathroom amenity carts were replaced with sleek hanging shelves.
  
  
• Bar 10:  The hotel’s second-story hotspot is now refreshingly and invitingly open to the lobby.  The solid wall that separated the bar from the lobby was replaced with a glass wall.
  
  
• Majestic Ballroom: The $1.25-million renovation was completed in November 2008, adding half-a-million dollars in Swarovski crystal chandeliers and a creating a neutral palette, providing endless options for event planners.

For hotel reservations and information call 1-888-627-7149 or visit www.westinny.com.  A full photo library is available at http://www.westinnymedia.com/pics-gst.html.

A distinguished AAA Four Diamond ranked hotel, The Westin New York at Times Square, with its eye-catching façade and signature beam of light, is located at 270 W. 43rd Street in the heart of the world-acclaimed theater district and within walking distance to many family-friendly sights in Times Square.  The newly-renovated hotel was the first Westin Hotel and first property in New York to receive the GS-33 Lodging Properties Silver certification from Green Seal™.  All 863 guestrooms and suites, including the 126 Atrium Club Rooms designed by Vicente Wolf, feature Westin's world famous Heavenly Bed® and Heavenly Bathsm; workstation with task lights, cordless phone, voicemail, data ports, and wireless and high-speed Internet access; dual-line phones; an intelligent refrigerated refreshment center replenishing favorite items automatically; in-room safe that can accommodate a laptop; AM/FM clock radio; deluxe grooming amenities; iron/ironing board; hair dryer; One-Cup coffee maker with complimentary Starbucks® coffee; individual climate control, and most offer incredible views of the city and the Hudson River.   The entire 23rd floor of the hotel has been converted into Spa Inspired Guestrooms that feature an electronic Shiatsu Massage chair, aromatherapy bath amenities, a mini-bar with healthy alternatives, health and fitness magazines and more.  Nestled atop the 44th floor with sweeping vistas of the Hudson River is the 1,200-square foot Renewal Suite which features chromotherapy, digital art, a spa bath, tranquil water, and light and music features throughout.  The hotel features New York City’s first Shula’s Steak House; Bar 10, a trendy lounge; wireless internet access throughout; 24-hour room service; a fitness center; a spa with treatment rooms and saunas; a concierge and theater ticket desk, among other services.  The Westin New York at Times Square was named one of America’s Top 11 Healthiest Hotels by Health magazine and AOL CityGuide and is a certified member of the Green Hotels Association.  The hotel is interconnected to E Walk®, a 200,000 square-foot entertainment and retail complex featuring movie theaters, restaurants, and shops. 

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